Duane K. Fudge (Plainview)

Funeral services for Duane K. Fudge age 94 of Plainview will be held Saturday May 5, 2012 at the Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Plainview. Visitation will be from 5-8 PM. on Friday at the Ashburn Funeral Home in Plainview. Burial will be in the Hope Cemetery in Newman Grove.

Duane K. Fudge was born on September 18, 1917 in Butler County Nebraska to William and Alberta Fudge. He passed away May 2, 2012, at the Plainview Manor.

He graduated from Wahoo High School in 1937 and farmed with his father and brothers. He joined the Army Air Force in 1942. He attended Liaison Flying School and completed training in 1943 and went to Burma. He rescued causalities for the British for the bulk of two years. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross, two Oak Leaf Clusters and The Air Medal. He was discharged from the Air Corp in 1945. He was honored at SAC Air Force Base on March 15, 2006 for his military service.

After returning home, he farmed with his father in the Ashland area. He married Mary LaVonne West on July 27, 1947 and continued farming as well as breeding and racing thoroughbred horses throughout the country. They moved to Ewing, Ne. to begin a career in the lumber business. In 1952, they moved to Newman Grove, Ne. where he purchased West Lumber and Coal Co. He remained active in horseracing and served on the State Racing Commission from 1972 until 1980. He retired in 1995 and moved to Plainview, Ne.

He is survived by two daughters, Jacqueline Young (Harvey), Carolyn Fudge, Son-in-law Duane White, 8 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and special friend Arleen Kuhl.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, 2 brothers and an infant sister, a son and daughter.